Introduction to The Counting of The Omer -
49 days, seven weeks between Passover and Shavuot
For the past several years, we have an observed a spiritual practice of the daily counting of the Omer. Every day I send out an email to my congregation with a short passage for contemplation, inspiration and consideration. This seven-week period becomes a journey toward self-awareness and inner liberation; we become conscious of the gift and potential of each day, which reminds us to make every day count.
The laws regarding the Omer are very strict: every day matters and not one may be missed. Not to waste a single day should be our ideal in life....in general we could perhaps say that a day is wasted when we've done nothing that brings happiness or good to others, and nothing that brings a sense of purpose to ourselves.
The Eternal Journey: Meditations on the Jewish Year, Jonathan Wittenberg
As student, I learned from one of my professors that every Jewish holiday has three levels of meaning: the first level connects us with the Land of Israel, often through agriculture; the second level adds to our historical narrative; and the third level has a spiritual dimension. So it is with the Counting of the Omer, the seven week period between Passover and Shavuot during which we are commanded to say a blessing and count each day.
The Land of Israel - The Agricultural Aspect
The word omer denotes a quantity, a dry-measure used for grains. In ancient times, the Israelites were commanded to count each day of the seven weeks of the barley harvest, the end of which marked the holiday of Shavuot. The Counting of the Omer connects us to Israel by making us aware of the rhythm of the Jewish calendar for seven weeks in which there are significant observances and celebrations. Many passages are about nature, harvest and the redemptive power of land and earth.
The Evolving Historical Narrative
Because the Counting of the Omer begins on Passover (the holiday of freedom) and ends on Shavuot (the holiday celebrating our receiving the Torah), there is a historical theme of the journey from slavery to liberation, from wandering in the desert to revelation at Mount Sinai. The arc of this historical narrative becomes personal as we engage in a practice that involves a journey toward inner freedom. In addition, many passages deal with our obligation to participate in the universal struggle of all people to live in safety, freedom and prosperity.
The Spiritual Path
The spiritual dimension to the Counting of the Omer dates back to the Kabbalists. They assigned each of the seven weeks to correspond to the seven lower s'firot. Though this book will not address kabbalistic practices, it can facilitate a period of self-reflection during which we struggle to free ourselves from our inner slavery. This period in which we count 49 days - seven weeks - is an invitation to engage in a spiritual practice of contemplation and consideration as we continue on the perpetual journey to discover meaning and purpose in our lives.
Enjoy the journey.
Rabbi Karyn D. Kedar